Developmental-AI MOOC Assessment

We report lessons learned from our experience creating and administering a MOOC introducing students to developmental artificial intelligence. Our course, entitled Implementation of DEvelopmentAl Learning (IDEAL), covered advanced findings in developmental artificial intelligence spanning the fields of cognitive science and computer science. Its objectives consisted of conveying these findings to the general public, teaching developmental AI techniques to programmers and roboticists, and supporting international multidisciplinary collaboration amongst actors in the domain (academics, industrials, and hobbyists). Teaching materials included textual descriptions, short videos, and programming and writing activities. The course also supported community forums that allowed participants to engage in debates and work in teams. This form proved to be well fitted to the objectives. Participants reported that they found this design more efficient than lectures; and the forums proved useful in creating a productive community and conveying advanced scientific ideas.